Parade, fireworks and a full day of family fun set for downtown and the waterfront on Saturday, Oct. 10
COLUMBIA — A few things before we get to Scuppernong River Festival happenings…
First, there’s talk of a candidate forum. Per the Albemarle Observer, pending the day and time — I don’t work on the Lord’s Day — I’ll try to be there to cover any forum.
Personally, I’m hoping it’s not one of those scripted BS affairs where candidates answer canned questions about world peace and loving puppies. Be good to have a real debate.
John Thorne posted this Thursday — Quick update for everyone—we’re putting the finishing touches on the Sheriff candidate forum happening at the school next week.
The school is going to officially put out all the final details tomorrow, and I’ll share their post right here as soon as it drops. The Superintendent is stepping up to moderate, which is great for keeping things running right and keeping it educational for the kids.
Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s announcement so you can plan to come out and hear from the candidates.
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A comprehensive list of the candidates is posted at the end of the story.
The story’s graphic/photo is of the candidates for the sheriff’s office — that’s the big race to watch!
Sheriff
- Joey Elliott (REP)
- Major Shively (UNA)
Moving onto the Scuppernong River Festival.
For 35 years, the festival has turned this small Tyrrell County town into a gathering place for neighbors, visitors and families. This year’s anniversary edition, set for Saturday, Oct. 10, promises a full day of music, exhibits, rides and river outings, capped by fireworks over the waterfront.
“Scuppernong River Festival is wonderful because we get to visit with friends, neighbors, families,” said Monica Mauffray, a key organizer for the festival. “These times we live in now make it hard to visit anymore and this is a great time to do just that. Also, this is the one time of the year some get to enjoy a festival, so many free things to do and the rides for the kids is only $10.00 for the entire day and one of my favorites is the fireworks to end a beautiful, fun day right on the river!”
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the parade down Main Street, sponsored by the Tyrrell County Tourism Development Authority. From there, the action spreads across downtown. Car show enthusiasts can head to Broad Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the Tyrrell Health Department on Bridge Street will also be open during those hours. Visitors can see the newly renovated Health Department, pick up snacks and take part in health risk assessments.
Getting around is easy thanks to the Gator Line, which will run shuttles from Tyrrell Hall and the high school.
The Courthouse serves as the festival’s main stage. The day’s concerts open at 11 a.m. with a High School Band Concert featuring Columbia High School and Bear Grass Charter School. At 12:15 p.m., the I-42 Band takes the stage, followed by appearances from Miss North Carolina Sophia Kellstrom, also at 12:15, and Miss North Carolina’s Teen Kate Ward at 12:30. Alex Williams performs at 2:45 p.m.
Families with young children will find plenty to do. Children’s amusements and rides line S. Elm Street, with wristbands available at the Information Booth for $10. The Petting Zoo at Wesley UMC and a stilt walker on Main Street both run from noon to 4 p.m. Magic shows by magician Joshus Lozoff, who played Gino Tortelli on the TV show “Cheers,” are scheduled at the Columbia Theater at noon and 3:30 p.m., and Pocosin Arts offers face painting and art demonstrations on Main Street from noon to 4 p.m.
The festival’s namesake river is a major attraction. From the Boardwalk, the Partnership for the Sounds will offer River Roaming, a pontoon boat trip on the Scuppernong River.
Those curious about the region’s natural side have several options. The Walter B. Jones Sr. Center for the Sounds on South Boardwalk and the Red Wolf Education Center on Highway 94 South are both open to visitors, with shuttles leaving the Jones Center at 9:50 a.m., 12:50 p.m., 2:50 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. Wildlife and Forestry Exhibits at the County Office Lot will feature the NC Forest Service, NC Wildlife Federation, Eastern NC National Wildlife Refuge, Defenders of Wildlife and NC Works.
Downtown merchants will be open along Main, Water, Elm and Broad Streets. Arts and crafts vendors set up on Main Street, and food vendors fill Broad Street, where Honoring America also takes place, with Rose Welding & Crane flying the flag.
As the day winds down, the community gathers on the waterfront for fireworks at 7:30 p.m.
The Information Booth, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., will sell festival T-shirts and amusement ride wristbands, and can answer visitors’ questions.
The festival is supported by a long list of local sponsors, including St. Andrew’s Church, Rose Welding & Crane, Windy Rose Attorney, High and Crowe, Bryan Funeral Services, Tidewater Animal Hospital, David Armstrong, Jr. Services, Columbia Pharmacy, Nixon Catering, Farm Bureau and Williford Auto Supply.
With activities for all ages stretching from morning until night, the 35th Scuppernong River Festival is shaping up to be a milestone worth celebrating.
Gold Sponsors: Town of Columbia; Tyrrell County; Black Dirt Coffee Shop & Cafe; First National Bank; Domtar; Tyrrell County TDA; Diamonite Rotary Tools
Silver Sponsors: High & Crowe LLP; Windy Rose, Attorney at Law; Pocosin Arts; Pearson Pumps Sales & Service; Rose Welding & Crane Service; Tidewater Animal Hospital; Leon Nixon Catering; Tyrrell Co Chamber of Commerce; St Andrews Episcopal Church
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